Could daffodils help with treating Alzheimer's?

A university is leading research into how daffodils can help improve dementia treatment.

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU), based in Cirencester in Gloucestershire, is working with Welsh bioresearch company Agroceutical Products Ltd (APL) to develop a new drug based on galantamine, a chemical found in the famous yellow flowers.

Galantamine was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001 for treating Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

"This has the potential to significantly improve the lives of Alzheimer's patients, as well as the carers and families who support them," said APL founder Kevin Stephens.

In 2024, a new galantamine-based drug called Zunveyl became the first new oral Alzheimer's prescription drug approved by the FDA in 20 years.

Mr Stephens said the demand for naturally-sourced galantamine is expected to increase following the approval of Zunveyl.

The partnership between the university and research company is looking at other areas as well as dementia research.

Working with Prof Jamie Newbold, an expert in ruminant biology, RAU's Professor Xianmin Chang and APL discovered another chemical in daffodils that limits methane production in livestock - a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

"Daffodils produce a wide range of alkaloids to protect themselves," explained Mr Stephens.

"Some of these compounds affect livestock that graze on them. While developing galantamine, we discovered other valuable compounds that could be used in animal feed to cut methane emissions."

Prof Chang, associate pro vice-chancellor (China Programmes) at the Royal Agricultural University, said: "This journey has given us a lot of insights that can help inform and guide the next generation of entrepreneurs in the agricultural industry."

Mr Stephens said the development could benefit the environment and also generate income.

"This presents a major opportunity for livestock farmers and daffodil growers," he said.

"Reducing methane from existing livestock - without reducing herd numbers - supports climate goals while protecting food security.

"If we try to reduce methane by cutting livestock, we risk worsening global food poverty."

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